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Everest University History

Everest University is an independent business school with thirteen locations in Florida. Everest University is affiliated with Everest College, Everest Institute, EverestOnline, and which are located all across the country. Everest was formerly called FMU, Florida Metropolitan University and still operates that website. Everest University is part of large system of for-profit business schools owned by Corinthian Colleges, a publically-traded corporation. Corinthian Colleges was founded in 1995 and currently enrolls over 80,000 students internationally and nationally.

Student Satisfaction at Everest University

Many people appreciated the flexible schedule and night classes that allow them to attend class after work. One student claims the graduation rate was about 5% and that Everest University grossly overstated their employment success because so many of the students had jobs before they enrolled. Students complained about problems with plagiarism and teachers being immature and ill prepared. Others complained about pushy sales tactics, difficulties with the financial aid department, and teachers attempting to force students to remain in the program to improve their attrition.

Everest University Online Accreditation

All of the Everest University locations in Florida are “nationally accredited” by the ACICS (Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.) The ACICS accreditation gives Everest the authority to award Associate's degrees, Bachelor's degrees and Master's degrees. However, the ACICS is the same organization that accredits for-profit colleges, like ITT Tech. Credits from these for-profit colleges are unlikely to transfer to regionally accredited universities and community colleges. Everest University is not accredited by SACS (Southern Association of colleges and Schools) or the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.) Seven of the thirteen Everest University locations in Florida offer medical training. These medical diplomas are accredited upon the recommendation of MAERB (Medical Assisting Education Review Board) who confirms that the curriculum is consistent with CAAHEP standards.

Number of Degrees Issued by Everest University

The number of degrees issued varies by location and courses offered. The Tampa location on Hillsborough Avenue awards approximately 130 associate degrees, 80 bachelor’s degrees, and 26 masters degrees. Everest University offers Massage Therapy courses and awards approximately 77 certificates at the Tampa location alone. Everest University offers Master’s degrees into two fields of study, Business Administration and Law Enforcement Administration. Bachelor’s Degrees are offered in most of the other fields.

Application Process at Everest

Everest University has quarterly classes with rolling admissions and no application deadline. In 2006, approximately 75% of the 238 applicants were admitted. Everest University does not require a high school diploma or GED for acceptance. Students can also be accepted by completing an entrance exam or interviewing with the admissions office.

Everest University Graduation and Retention Rates

Graduation and retention rates vary by location, but are generally between 36- 53%. Each location averages about 400 students. Approximately 69% of full-time students remained enrolled, but only 12% of the part-time were retained during the same period.

Everest University Tuition

Not including the cost of living, the average cost of tuition at Everest University is $16,740, plus $1,200 for books and supplies. Everest University claims to charge about $180 per credit hour, however, students have said they were charged between $400 and $500 per credit hour.

Everest University Student Loan Programs

In the ’06-’07 school year, approximately 45%-56% of students received some form of financial aid. About 12% of the students who received educational loans defaulted on the payments. Everest University requests that all applicants fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) during the application process. About half of all enrollees received a loan covering the majority of the tuition expense. The average student received an educational for about $8,400. 40% of students received a federal grant for $2,600-$2,700 and 10-20% received a $700-$800 local or state grant.

Everest University Complaints, Lawsuits and Credit Transfer Fraud

Everest University and Corinthian Colleges were sued by a former FMU student who claimed that employees had misrepresented information about the transfer of credits when he signed up. The class action lawsuit was settle in arbitration, which Corinthian Colleges won. The arbitrator decided that the student should have disregarded the employee’s information after he was provided written information that contradicted the statements. Corinthian Colleges won the case based on the disclosures in the contract that the student signed. The CEO of Corinthian Colleges said the lawsuit was frivolous and he was glad the court agreed because Corinthian was upfront about its credit transfer policy. In 2007 Everest University was investigated by the State of Florida for compliance with the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System. Investigators requested copies of teacher training materials, contracts, and documents provided to prospective students. The investigation centered around the credit transfer problem and misleading advertisements suggesting graduates could earn a specific salary or maintain a certain standard of living. Everest University responded by issuing an official document assuring that they were using the FSCNC and had set up a credit transfer center where students could transfer credits to two Florida educational institutions in agreed-upon circumstances. The investigation was finally closed with no penalties or fines.

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